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Zhao Lusi’s fans demand accountability from ‘Weibo’ after platform allegedly fueled harmful online criticism

Chinese actress Zhao Lusi known for her role in the 2023 Chinese drama ‘Hidden Love,’ had recently posted on Weibo, China’s largest microblogging platform, her recovery journey after being diagnosed with a dissociative conversion disorder. This condition is a mental health issue that disrupts brain activity and ultimately affects locomotor functions of the body. 

In December 2024, the 26-year-old star took some time off and suspended all her professional activities due to health concerns. A month later, she gradually recovered and shared her progress through a vlog to update fans about her improved health condition. However, some fans felt that the platform seemed to capitalize on her journey to healing.

 

It was alleged that Weibo’s paid ‘hot search’ system–which allowed users to pay for topics to trend, lack of strict regulation was exploited to trend an abnormal amount of malicious hashtags topics generated from ‘The Story of Pearl Girl’ star’s vlog.

With the ‘hot search’ system’s loophole, the Chinese social media platform has indirectly encouraged toxicity and sensationalism to take over the trends. The micro-blogging site akin to Facebook and X also allegedly benefited abundantly from this system as it generated huge engagements and traffic for the site.

In line with this incident, the fans of the Rosy Zhao (her international name) quickly came to the actress’ defense and called out Weibo under #WeiboDoBetter on how it could have done better and made their platform a safer space, and an inclusive one for everyone, including people suffering from mental health issues like Zhao Lusi.

It could be noted that Weibo has previously been under fire for highlighting a lot of trending topics revolving around celebrities, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

 

Last January 25, Rosy finally made her first public appearance, after her one-month hiatus, in a fan meeting. The global star also took the time to thank her fans who had supported her despite the difficult journey she faced.

During the fan meeting, the Chengdu native actress and one of her brands also jointly established a ‘Youth Care Foundation’ with the aim of helping youth with mental health problems.

In an interview with Chinese publication ‘Global Times,’ Zhao aimed to use her recovery journey as a stepping stone in helping people who are suffering from similar health concerns, “I want to say the support and encouragement everyone gives me is incredibly valuable. Thus, I also hope to use my own strength to help as many people as I can, especially those who are struggling with mental health issues.”

 

Other POP! stories you might like:

‘The Story of Pearl Girl’ star Zhao Lusi reveals battle with depression and past abuse

Chinese influencer Li Ziqi ignites controversy with advice against becoming an online influencer

Fans celebrate as Ariana Grande makes history with Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Wicked’

Remembering the life and legacy of Gloria Romero, the ‘Queen of Philippine Cinema’

Robert Pattinson charms fans with ‘aegyo’ poses during ‘Mickey 17’ promotions

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